applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
Synonyms of applausenext
1
: marked commendation : acclaim
… the kind of applause every really creative writer wants.—Robert Tallant
2
: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)
a round of applause

Synonyms of applause

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Examples of applause in a Sentence

The announcement was greeted with applause and cheers. a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not for nothing has White Barn Inn been blessed with just about every hospitality and dining award possible—from the endless applause of regional magazines and AAA five diamond ratings to a spot on Traveler's Gold List. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 Wagoner eventually recovers and the two cheerfully finish the song to applause. — Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 Many speakers opposed to the project received applause, such as Kathy Stricklin. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 One of the more surreal responses to that experience is applause, which ripples through the audience of Paranormal Activity a beat after all the major scares, like rain settling in after a peal of thunder. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applause

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin applausus, from Latin, beating of wings, from applaudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of applause was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing applause

Rhymes for applause

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Browse Nearby Words

applaudingly
applause
applausive
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Cite this Entry

“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applause. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

applause

noun
ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
: approval shown especially by clapping the hands
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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